The MolinaCares Accord and H-E-B Equip Food Bank of Rio Grande Valley with Refrigerated Truck
PHARR, July 27, 2022 – The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley was presented with its first refrigerated truck, donated by The MolinaCares Accord, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Texas (“Molina”), and H-E-B, enabling the transportation of fresh food items throughout the Valley.
A $100,000 grant from MolinaCares and a $50,000 grant from H-E-B funded the purchase of the truck. The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley currently distributes 48 million meals annually and feeds over 76,000 people weekly. The branded truck will expand the food bank’s transportation capabilities in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties, and is the food bank’s only truck with cooling capacity.
“Access to consistent, nutritious meals is a vital component of living a healthy life, and we are proud to work alongside the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley to play a part in ensuring our neighbors don’t have to worry about where their next meal will come from,” said Chris Coffey, plan president for Molina Healthcare of Texas. “Through our collaboration with partners like H-E-B, we’re working to build stronger and healthier communities across Texas, including here in the Valley, where approximately 146,000 people struggle with food insecurity.”
“Hunger relief has always been an important part of what we do here at H-E-B. That’s why H-E-B has a strong commitment to food banks in our communities,” said Danny Flores, senior manager of public affairs at H-E-B. “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley and excited about the new refrigerated truck that we have partnered with Molina Healthcare to present today. We know this truck will help the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley distribute healthy, nutritious products to our neighbors in need.”
The Molina team delivered the truck on July 1 after a 2,000-mile journey from Billings, Montana. Following the truck presentation at the food bank’s historic Pharr headquarters, fresh food was distributed to 50 local families directly from the truck. The new addition accommodates 10,000 pounds of food and features 1,800 cubic feet of refrigerated cargo space.
“We are beyond excited to receive this beautiful truck from MolinaCares and H-E-B,” said Libby A. Vaughan, CEO for the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. “This donation will travel the 3,600 square miles of our region, delivering fresh produce, healthy products, and sustainable resources to our people.”
During the event, leadership from the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Molina, and H-E-B gave remarks about the partnership and the truck’s anticipated impact on the region. Former State Representative Eddie Lucio III also spoke, thanking the partners for their continued commitment to the community.
“Thank you to my friends at Molina Healthcare and H-E-B for their generosity. Great community partners and corporate citizens, like H-E-B and Molina, are critical for bridging the funding our local charitable organizations need to accomplish their mission,” said Lucio. “Supporting the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is at the top of charitable priorities in South Texas and this donation will directly impact the food security of our Valley residents. We are grateful to these great corporate citizens and to the food bank for all that they do.”
Images from the press conference can be downloaded here, and images from the truck’s journey to Texas can be downloaded here.
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About the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley
The Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley, Inc. was incorporated in 1986 and has grown to be the largest charity in south Texas based on clients served. In 2020, over 58 million pounds of fresh produce and food were distributed to Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. Currently, the Food Bank RGV serves up to 76,079 people weekly through its network of 275 partner agencies. Learn more about the Food Bank RGV at www.foodbankrgv.com. The Food Bank RGV is an equal opportunity provider.
About The MolinaCares Accord
Established by Molina Healthcare, Inc., The MolinaCares Accord oversees a community investment platform created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities. The MolinaCares Accord funds such measures through The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc.
About Molina Healthcare of Texas
Molina Healthcare of Texas has been providing government-funded health care since 2006. The Company serves members through Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, Medicare-Medicaid (Duals) and Health Insurance Exchange programs, with service areas across Texas. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a FORTUNE 500 company, served approximately 5.1 million members as of March 31, 2022. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Texas, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About H-E-B
H-E-B, with sales of $34 billion, operates more than 420 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 117th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and lowest prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 145,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit HEB.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.